βοΈπ§ π Mental Health Drug Claims Skyrocket Among Young Canadians
Tuesday, 31 January 2023 12:00.PM
- Data from the pandemic shows almost 25% increase for those under 30 -
It is no surprise the pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of Canadians. Yet new Sun Life data shows just how impacted young people have been. Mental health drug claims between 2019 and 2021 skyrocketed among young Canadians. For those 30 and under, drug claims to treat mental disorders increased 24%. Adults between 30 and 39 years of age also experienced a rise in claims at 13%. In total, 16% of Sun Life's total drug claims in 2021 were for mental disorders. There was also a 51% increase in mental health paramedical claims for people under 35.
These trends were identified using Sun Life data, including those from Sun Life's Designed for Health report. The report highlights trends impacting disability claims across Sun Life's plan member base, which consists of millions of Canadians.
While these statistics may seem alarming, they could signal an increase in awareness and discussion around mental health issues and seeking support. This may be helping to break the stigma and encouraging people to seek treatment for their mental health.
"Having open and supportive conversations around mental health is a critical first step. Research shows the severity and duration of mental disorders are reduced the sooner people access care," said Dr. Sam Mikail, Director, Mental Health Solutions, Sun Life. "When it comes to mental health treatment, there is no one-size-fits all approach. Getting the right treatment at the right time from the right practitioner is key, whether it's working with your family doctor, a psychologist or your Employee Assistance Program at work."
Sun Life's Designed for Health report shows mental disorders continue to be the main driver of disability claims. Over half of all disability claims for those under 44 years old are for mental disorders. Quicker recoveries and better long-term outcomes are often seen by those with early access to care.
"The need for mental health support is huge and continues to grow. We have an important role to play and are working to provide access to quality treatment through workplace benefit plans across Canada," said Marie-Chantal CΓ΄tΓ©, Senior Vice-President, Group Benefits, Sun Life. "We've launched several innovative solutions to help employers support employees with their mental health. From new programs and partnerships to digital tools and resources, we are committed to tackling the mental health crisis head on."
Sun Life's innovative health solutions help Clients wherever they are on their health journeys. Some of the mental health solutions offered include Mental Health Coach provided by CloudMD, a mental health toolkit for employers, and Lumino Health Virtual Care Stress Management and Well-Being program and Employee Assistance Program powered by Dialogue.
Learn more about Sun Life's commitment to mental health:
β’ $3.7 million to support youth mental health in Canada: https://www.sunlife.ca/en.../
β’ $1.1 million to support mental health services for families, workers and marginalized communities in Quebec: https://www.sunlife.ca/en.../
SOURCE: Sun Life Financial Canada
-
Related materials:
- 15-Nov-2023 08:00 AM ONTARIO JOBS π§ππ₯β 25,000 Jobs by 2025: Food and Beverage Ontario Launches Recruitment Campaign for The Province's Food and Beverage Processing Industry Workforce π΅
- 29-Jul-2023 02:21 PM TORONTO β World-Renowned Japanese Coffee Brand % Arabica Opens First Downtown Toronto Location
- 29-Jul-2023 10:21 AM π³πΏπ΅ Eating More Plants Could Save You 14% on Groceries, Says Report
- 28-Jul-2023 04:21 PM TORONTO π²π₯βοΈ Toronto Pearson Airport Welcomes Osmow's Authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Restaurant to Terminal 1
- 21-Jul-2023 04:06 PM π³πΏπ§ Get Ready to Crumble: Daiya Foods Launches Two New Plant-Based Cheeses!
- 19-Jul-2023 04:23 PM π²π₯ Nearly All Canadians (91%) Identify Cooking From Scratch as a Way to Save on Groceries
- 18-Jul-2023 02:33 PM πΎπ½ Government Of Canada Announces Two New Living Labs in Quebec
- 15-Feb-2023 04:22 PM βοΈπ Novartis Partners With Network of Secondary Prevention Clinics to Redefine the Standard of Care for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment in Ontario
- 15-Feb-2023 02:23 PM βοΈπ Shoppers Drug Mart Puts Sexual Wellness in Customer's Hands With Online Launch of Canada's Top-Rated Products
- 08-Feb-2023 02:23 PM βοΈπ§ Canadian Front-Line Mental Health Professionals Share Timely Insights on the Stresses, Scars and Opportunities Emerging from the Pandemic